(CNN) - Sen. Orrin Hatch, a longtime friend of Sen. Ted Kennedy despite the two men's ideological differences, has written a song for the Massachusetts Democrat who was diagnosed with brain cancer last spring.

First reported by The Boston Globe earlier this month, the song, called "Headed Home," is co-written by Hatch and composer Philip Springer and is set to be played at the Democratic National Convention at the end of August.

Hatch, who has written several patriotic songs, released the song Tuesday to the media.

"The song, sung by baritone Tony Middleton, is a tribute to my cherished friend Senator Edward Kennedy, who, as you are aware, recently has been tragically stricken," Hatch wrote in a letter accompanying audio of the song. "Senator Kennedy and his family are in my thoughts and prayers daily, and I know of no better way to communicate my sentiments or to honor my friend than through the undeniable power of music."